Preview — An Uncommon Crusade
by Caron Guillo

An Uncommon Crusade

Elisabeth, Simon, and Hugo join an ill-fated commoner's crusade to Jerusalem in search of wealth, glory, and redemption. But their dreams are destroyed when Elisabeth and Simon are sold into slavery and Hugo finds himself adrift at sea. From the dark forests of thirteenth century Germany, through treacherous alpine passes, to a sprawling estate in Egypt, three lives becomeElisabeth, Simon, and Hugo join an ill-fated commoner's crusade to Jerusalem in search of wealth, glory, and redemption. But their dreams are destroyed when Elisabeth and Simon are sold into slavery and Hugo finds himself adrift at sea. From the dark forests of thirteenth century Germany, through treacherous alpine passes, to a sprawling estate in Egypt, three lives become linked in a desperate journey....more

Community Reviews

Most people don't know that the Muslims started the centuries-long war with Europe that came to be called the Crusades. Caron Guillo does not go into the causes and justifications of the Crusades; she takes a snapshot of some people in one Crusade. She rightly shows that most people did not want war, on either side, and that hunger and disease killed many more people than battle did. Everyone finds their faith shaken by their experiences.Another thing most people don't know is the extent to whicMost people don't know that the Muslims started the centuries-long war with Europe that came to be called the Crusades. Caron Guillo does not go into the causes and justifications of the Crusades; she takes a snapshot of some people in one Crusade. She rightly shows that most people did not want war, on either side, and that hunger and disease killed many more people than battle did. Everyone finds their faith shaken by their experiences.Another thing most people don't know is the extent to which Europeans (and Americans for a few decades) were sold into slavery in Muslim lands. Some survived and flourished in their slavery, and some were further traumatized. The author vividly shows what life was like for some of the European slaves.There were many things to like about this book. The writing is clear, the writer has done her research, and the characters are fairly believable. As could be expected for a story set in the Children's Crusade, a lot of the events are depressing, and yet hope in a Good God shines through this story of a variety of people who joined the Crusade with varying motives. If you like historical fiction that is realistic and some romance thrown in, you should like the story of these survivors....more

Some other reviewers have suggested that the children's crusade was a historical event. I think it needs to be said that historians have long rejected this idea as a mistranslation and misinterpretation of the primary sources. That being said, this is a really good story.

I especially loved the first part in which the children travel across Europe to reach the Mediterranean Sea. Guillo's characters are well drawn and the dialogue very natural. I found myself unable to put the book down at times bSome other reviewers have suggested that the children's crusade was a historical event. I think it needs to be said that historians have long rejected this idea as a mistranslation and misinterpretation of the primary sources. That being said, this is a really good story.

I especially loved the first part in which the children travel across Europe to reach the Mediterranean Sea. Guillo's characters are well drawn and the dialogue very natural. I found myself unable to put the book down at times because I was so concerned about what would happen next to the characters I'd come to love.

I liked in the second part of the story how Guillo seemed to draw on familiar biblical themes such as Joseph's enslavement in Egypt and the literal and spiritual redemption of slaves. I found some of the religious matter in this section a bit forced, especially the protestant theology Simon preached, which seemed out of place in this time period and in this place. However, this particular legend is a good way to highight some of the problems with Christian theology and practice that may have led to the Protestant Reformation....more

Simon, who has left his training as a monk, carries stolen parchments containing the Word of God.

Hugo is a cottager eager to escape the bondage of servitude.

Golden and beautiful, Kateline wears rags with the grace of a noblewoman.

Elizabeth, a victim of rape condemned by her village’s priest, believes she must reach the Holy Land and fight for Christ to exonerate herself. When things start to go wrong, she’s certain it’s a result of her “curse.”

An Uncommon Crusade tells the story of these and teSimon, who has left his training as a monk, carries stolen parchments containing the Word of God.

Hugo is a cottager eager to escape the bondage of servitude.

Golden and beautiful, Kateline wears rags with the grace of a noblewoman.

Elizabeth, a victim of rape condemned by her village’s priest, believes she must reach the Holy Land and fight for Christ to exonerate herself. When things start to go wrong, she’s certain it’s a result of her “curse.”

An Uncommon Crusade tells the story of these and ten thousand other children who, in 13th Century Europe, were coaxed to join a Children’s Crusade by Nicholas of Cologne and, in a simultaneous movement, by Stephan of Cloyes.

Written by former world history teacher, Caron Guillo, the story is well-researched. It is also well-plotted and written in exquisite style. An Uncommon Crusade by Caron Guillo will not disappoint.

A fantastic read. Caron is a brilliant writer who makes words dance on the page. She takes what could be a stuffy, depressing story and makes it come to life and inserts hope into the lives of her characters.I look forward to future books by Caron.